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America – “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly”

I am not one to get involved in politics or even engage in political discourse. But as I watched the recent events in the news I am compelled to share my thoughts of despair and sadness.

The destruction of Hurricane Harvey has and is still wreaking havoc on Texas. The images of the destruction and flooding of homes and the displacement of its residence hits too close to home for us who live in Florida. We’ve been there as has New Orleans with Katrina and are about to face one of the most powerful hurricanes in history – Hurricane Irma. I sit with tears in my eyes as I see the wake of Harvey’s path. I also shed tears of pride as I see the plethora of law enforcement, first responders and volunteers pour into Texas helping to evacuate and care for the residence of Texas. We are seeing America at its best.

However, the images on the news switch to that of ANTIFA (or whoever is at the helm) at UC Berkley attacking peaceful demonstrators. They hide behind black clothing and masks, too ashamed of showing who they really are; hurting innocent people who are exercising their rights to demonstrate. The tears flow, once again, at man’s inhumanity to man and I wonder –

What is happening to America the Beautiful? Abe Lincoln once said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Are we destroying ourselves? Are we imploding? Have we become so “me-minded” that we cannot accept anyone who shares a difference of opinion, color, and religion or candidate choice?

The sadness is so intense I begin to sob as I watch people beating up on others and law enforcement attempting to separate and protect the masses.

I wonder what God must be feeling as He watches both the good in us and the worst in us? Sadness? Anger? And will He intercede on our behalf or watch as we destroy this most beautiful country we call the United States of America. Where is the unity? Where are we united?

While the effects of Hurricane Harvey are difficult to watch, there are made by nature. Human beings nor God are to blame for Harvey’s path of destruction. We have risen up to help those in need and shine as we help those less fortunate forge a new life. Must we can attack physically and verbally those that do not share our points of view?

The hatred and misplaced anger seen throughout this country lies at our feet and ultimately at the Lords. Will we grow and learn from our pain? Will we turn to God for strength to live in harmony despite our differences or will we face the ultimate consequence when we face our Maker?

I recall a quote from an unknown author who wrote – “There is so much good in the worst of us. And so much bad in the best of us that it little behooves any of us to talk about the rest of us.”

And so I’ll stop talking about the worst and the best and choose instead to pray. Will you join me?

As Hurricane Irma rips forges ahead towards Florida we prepare for the worst. And we pray. We pray for Texans. We pray for the Caribbean Islands, northern Leeward Islands, the US and British Virgin Islands, Cuba and the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.